Description
This hearty Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, chili beans, tomato sauce, and thinly sliced potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this flavorful casserole is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Soup Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
Other Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crushed corn chips (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the casserole components.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, stirring well to combine.
- Prepare the soup mixture: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chili beans with their liquid, and tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful layer.
- Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by layering approximately one-third of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread one-third of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then cover with one-third of the soup mixture. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with the soup mixture as the topmost layer.
- Bake covered: Cover the assembled casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook and flavors to meld.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil and scatter the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Optional crunchy topping: For added texture, sprinkle crushed corn chips over the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking and continue baking uncovered.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal with a side salad or cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired dinner.
Notes
- Peel and slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- The crushed corn chips topping adds a delightful crunch but is optional.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Allow the casserole to rest to help layers set and improve slicing.
